Can "besides" and "except for" be used interchangeably in these sentences?
Below are two example sentences from the Oxford Dictionary.

1. I've got no family besides my parents.
2. I had nothing on except for my socks.

If I switch "besides" and "except for", do they still mean the same as the original sentences?

1. I've got no family except for my parents.
2. I had nothing on besides my socks.

Question

Can "besides" and  "except for" be used interchangeably in these sentences?
Below are two example sentences from the Oxford Dictionary.

1. I've got no family besides my parents.
2. I had nothing on except for my socks.

If I switch "besides" and "except for", do they still mean the same as the original sentences?

1. I've got no family except for my parents.
2. I had nothing on besides my socks.

Answer

I think these can be used interchangably and Chris makes a great point, I completely agree.

Another small difference is that, to me, "besides" sounds more formal. I would be more likely to use it in an essay and less likely to use it in conversation.

Answer

I say yes.

The only thing that changes is the connotation. "except for" sounds  like you wished you had more.

Do others  agree?

Answers · 4

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